Long-term exposure to PM2.5 major components and mortality in the southeastern United States 2000-2016: a population-based cohort study Open Access

Abstract

Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been widely linked to adverse health effects in cardiovascular and pulmonary system. However, the association regarding to specific PM2.5 component has been less studied. Research on the relative contribution of PM2.5 components is imperatively needed to better understand the relationship to design effective interventions and environmental policies.

Methods:

We conducted a population-based cohort study comprised of all Medicare enrollees (aged ≥65, N=13,590,387) in the southeastern United States from 2000-2016 to explore the association between long-term exposure to PM2.5 components and all-cause mortality among the elderly. We applied well-validated prediction models to estimate the ZIP code level annual mean concentrations of five major PM2.5 components including black carbon (BC), nitrate (NIT), organic matter (OM), sulfate (SO4), and soil particles. Relevant data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard model adjusting for potential confounders.

Results:

In the cohort of 13,590,387 Medicare enrollees and a total of 107,191,652 person-years, we observed significantly elevated all-cause mortality in all five PM2.5 components (BC, NIT, OM, SO4 and soil particles) in the single-pollutant models. Hazard ratios (HR) of 1.025 (95%CI: 1.023-1.027), 1.027 (95% CI: 1.025-1.030), 1.012 (95% CI: 1.010-1.013), 1.018 (95% CI: 1.017-1.020), 1.021 (95% CI: 1.017-1.024), and 1.004 (95% CI: 1.003-1.006) were observed, respectively.

Conclusions:

Among the US elderly cohort residing in the Southeastern US, our study provides epidemiologic evidence that long-term exposure to major PM2.5 components is significantly associated with higher mortality.

Table of Contents

Introduction --1

Material and Methods --2

Study population --2

Exposure --3

Covariates --4

Statistical analysis --5

Result --6

Discussion --8

Conclusion --12

Appendix --13

Reference --17

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Environmental Health
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Environmental Sciences Health Sciences, Public Health Health Sciences, Epidemiology
Keyword	Air Pollution PM2.5 Survival analysis Mortality
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Shi, Liuhua, Emory University

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